Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1887-10-22
HLSLAST BALLOON ASCEN-
SION
by JONAS JUrroN.


For a number of years, in the early
part Of my life. I was advance agent for
various circuses. I received a very re-
muneTative salary, but as was con-
stantly on the go and could hardly find
time to breathe / grew tired of it and
embarked in other pursuits. which,
though sometimes not paying me as
much rs representative of the biggest
and only show on earth, was a great deal
more satisfactory to me.
From 1867 to 1870 L worked Van
Amblrg's show ahead. During those
three years there was n young 1erOnaut,
b. the lame Of Preston, who travelled
with us. making ascelsions every after
noon when ths weather was propitious.
He was a nobls-h arted, handsome, in
telligent young man Of y, and was a
favorite with ths-eutire company. He
was also strictly temperate, which, GER
tainly, could not tru,hfully be said Of
all the attaches Of oar circus.
Preston and 1 formed quite an attach
ment for each other, and whenever 1 was
with the circus We were constantly to-
gether. There was a daredevil spirit
about him which one, who knew him,
could not help but admire. He always
insisted on his balloon being tightly in
hatad, and no where did lie appear as
much in his element as when perform
ing some peruous feet several thousand
fOet in mil-air-
Iquit the circus business in 20. and
for several years after that I received
an occasional letter from him, but
finally he ceased writing and lost
sight Of him entirely.
A few months ago visited Jackson
vile, Fla, for nay health, and one day
while there, after heartily enjoying a
dinner, such Us can only be o.tlined at
4 gulf coast hotel, L lit my cigar and
started out for q stroll around town. I
had walked about three blocks from
the hotel. when Preston and came
very near running into one another.
"Bless the baby elephant, if here
amt Jutto9!" he exclaimed, almost
embracing me in his JOY, aud squeezing
my hand so tightly that I could not
help but vince.
He was no gladder to see me than I
was to see him. After asking and an
swering n dozen or more questions,
Preston said:
We'll, Jut, old boy, what on earth
are you doing down in this part OF the
universe anyway? 1 hope you are 60
ing to remain sometimeI"
well, several weeks, I guess, I re-
piled. Il am merely seeking health
and recreation. And you are married
and living near here ?" continued.
ayes. was the reply, 81 live in two
miles and a half Of Town, and You have
got to make my house yOur home, as
long as you stay in this neck of the
woods, as old Bill Riley, one Of our can
vasmen, used to say. have a good
horse and buggy, and will bring you in
town every morning If you wish to
come. 1 know every foot of this cOun-
try. and if there is any part Of it that
you wish to visit VIII take you there
in a buggy or horseback, Just as you
prefer. I've two as good horses as
there are IL this section of country"
"DOn't offer any more inducements
Pres. accept. But tell me how came
you to marry an settle in this part of
the country?"
ooh, we'll, that part Of the story
must be reserved for another time, F"
he replied. "Come on; had just
started to the stable to have my horse
hitched mp. We will go out home. and
after supper. while We are enjoying ouI
cigars on the veranda, viii toll you
the whole story.
The drive to PrestOn's farm was
over two miles and a half Of as pretty
shell road as ever saw, and 1 don't
think I ever enjoyed a ride so much in
my life.
As we drove up to the gate which
led to the stable was impressed with
the air Of comfort and contentment
which pervadel the entire place. Fowls
OF oil kinds were busy picking up
grain near the stable; a dozen or more
fat porkers were grunting their APP.
proval Of things in mud hole near
large pond; the tinkle of a sleeps
bell aud the bleat Of a lamb came
plaintiyely clear and distinct from the
green, grassy meadow, and several
sleek AMI glossy cows were lowing as
they leisurely wendell their way home
ward through the deep shade Of the
greenwood, which was filed with the
fragrance OF orange blossoms and a
thO-slnd rare and beautiful wild
flowers
The negro hoy. who met US at the lot
gate. took charge Of the horse and
buggy and followed Preston to the
house, which was a beautiful Queen
Ann cottage Of seven or eight rooms.
As we entered the gate which led to the
house a bright golden-haired boy Of six
years came from behind the house as
fas. as his little legs could carry him.
and shouting at the top of his voice.
"Hondar's papa yonder's papa" which
Immediately brought a beautiful little
lassie Of four years from the house. who
came very near falling of the veranda
IN the endeavOr to reach her father
first.
They have a race like this every
time I come home. said Preston, as he
stopped and took the boy on his back
and the girl in his arms.
-Pres. you ara to be congratulated
on having two as pretty children rs ]
ever saw. said, as shook each Of
tlan1 BY tia hand